Does Eating Quinoa Hurt Andean Farmers?

Americans are obsessed with quinoa, a tasty grain-like seed that packs a nutrient punch. Read on to discover how eating quinoa is beneficial for your health and why Americans are obsessed with it.

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Why is quinoa such a trendy food in America now?

Quinoa is considered a “superfood” because it has the ten most essential amino acids for human growth and is high in folic acid and vitamins A, C, B1 and B12. The Food and Agricuture Organization of the United Nations states that it is the only plant food of its kind to have such nutrient profile and contain no gluten.

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Health-conscious eaters prefer quinoa over most grains because it is a nutrient-dense alternative. Most grains are inadequate sources of protein, but quinoa, which can be cooked and used like a grain, is an excellent, complete source. Compared to brown rice, quinoa has 13% fewer carbohydrates, 60% more protein and 25% more fiber cup for cup.

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Quinoa has nearly twice as much fiber as other grains, and fiber can help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol and blood glucose. Fiber can also help alleviate digestive problems.

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Quinoa is ideal for many diets. People who want to eat less meat but not less protein find quinoa an excellent source. It is low in sugar and free from gluten, which is great for diabetics and individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Recently, the UN launched the 2013 International Year of Quinoa to praise the “extraordinary” grain for its potential to boost global food security and combat malnutrition. It is highly adaptable, making it an attractive crop choice in the face of climate change.

Want to include more quinoa in your diet? It's as easy as switching out rice or cous cous for quinoa in your favorite recipes. Or, read on to discover our favorite quinoa recipes for summer.

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Black Bean & Quinoa Veggie Burgers

This meat-free recipe is seriously satisfying and will change your mind about veggie burgers.

Is the growing global demand for quinoa depriving locals of their food?

The Associated Press reports that quinoa now costs three times more than white rice in the markets in La Paz, Bolivia, the country where approximately half the world's supply of quinoa is now grown. Global demand for the grain-like seed has increased its prices, and experts believe this forces local growers to sell or trade the valuable crop while consuming cheaper and less nutritious alternatives like white rice. However, some say local farmers are using their increased income to switch from subsistence foods, like quinoa, to higher-status, "city" foods that are less nutritious.

Another concern is how expansion of quinoa production may harm the environment. More land for quinoa farming means less land for llama grazing, and llama manure is a key component for healthy soil. Many farmers are increasingly turning to use of chemical fertilizers, and some farmers are not properly rotating their crops, which can cause fertile land to transform into deserts.

Rising prices of quinoa may be too expensive for poor people living in Bolivian cities, but according to anthropologist Pablo Laguna, quinoa is not traditionally a staple for city dwellers. Laguna also reveals that consumption of quinoa by local farmers has not diminished. Eduoard Rollet, co-founder of fair trade brand Alter Eco Foods, says that quinoa farmers typically set aside a portion of their harvest to eat themselves. Their increased income means they can now buy foods like tomatoes and salads, which they could not afford before.

In addition, NPR food and health correspondent Allison Aubrey adds that rising food prices are not specific to quinoa, as they have generally increased worldwide.

Check out the slideshow above to discover what's so great about quinoa and why Americans are obsessed with this superfood.